Milan, Italy – The Liberian Registry, the world’s largest shipping registry, has cemented its reputation as a leader in maritime innovation and sustainability by unveiling nine Approvals in Principle (AIPs) at the prestigious Gastech event in Milan.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
According to a statement, the approvals, developed with leading South Korean and Japanese industry partners and major classification societies, cover a wide range of cutting-edge Joint Development Projects (JDPs) – from wind-assisted propulsion and autonomous navigation to futuristic LNG carriers and next-generation nuclear propulsion systems.
“These groundbreaking Approvals in Principle are a testament to the exceptional work of our Innovation & Energy Transition Team,” said Alfonso Castillero, CEO of the Liberian Registry. “We are not just anticipating the future of shipping – we are actively building it, working with global partners to move transformative technologies from the drawing board to the high seas.”
Highlights of the awarded AIPs include automated and autonomous LNG carriers with advanced navigation systems, wind-assisted propulsion designs for LNG carriers, VLECs, and VLGCs, small Modular Reactor (SMR)-powered LNG carrier, marking the first nuclear-propulsion concept of its kind for commercial shipping, boil-off gas treatment systems to cut emissions at berth and next-generation high-pressure LNG fuel tank for large container ships.
The approvals reflect the Registry’s commitment to advancing fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and smart-ship technologies in collaboration with shipyards, classification societies, technology providers, and shipowners.
The Liberian Registry’s Innovation & Energy Transition Team at Gastech included Thomas Klenum, Executive Vice President; J.S. Kim, Managing Director, LISCR Korea; and T.K. Im, Technical Manager, LISCR Korea.
LISCR stands for Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry.
It is the U.S.-based company that manages the day-to-day operations of the Liberian Registry (both shipping and corporate services). While Liberia is the sovereign flag state, LISCR acts as the administrator, handling vessel registration, safety compliance, inspections, and corporate registry services on behalf of the Government of Liberia.
